Straightening machine



y 1939. w. E. KANE STRAIGHTENING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 29, 1937 v.3 M3 M3 y 1939. w. E. KANE 2,157,760

STRAIGHTENING MACHINE Filed April 29 1937 6 SheetsSheet 3 3 l 5 42 49 46 .hhmmnefijjdilhhhi.

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' STRAIGHTENING MACHINE Filed April 29, 193'? 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 90 Ago //6 //9 IHVENTDR ay 9, 1939. w. E. KANE 1 2,157,760

STRAIGHTENING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1957 e Sheets-Sheet e v I I30 /3/ 433' Patented May 9, 1939 UNITED- STATES PATENT OFFIQE Kane & Roach, Inc.,

Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 29, 1937, Serial No. 139,760

22 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in a straightening machine adapted more particularly for removing undulations from metal sheets or strips, metal bars, rods or the like.

The main objects of this invention are to produce a straightening machine of the above mentioned type which may be quickly and easily adjusted to accommodate the same to work of various sizes, shapes and classes and which is sturdy, economical and simple in construction and operation.

In carrying out the above mentioned objects,

I have produced a mechanism comprising two units-a vertical unit and a horizontal unit, each unit including a plurality of roll shaft assemblies arranged in two parallel series, and the mech anism embodies the following major features therein: 1. Forming the straightening rolls of each unit with a plurality of work receiving passes or grooves arranged in spaced relation to each other axially of the roll, the passes or grooves of each roll being made to vary from each other in size or shape, or both in size and shape, to render the rolls capable of being utilized for straightening articles or members that differ one from another in size and/or shape corresponding to the passes or grooves of the straightening rolls.

2. Adjustably mounting both of the straightening units whereby they may be moved relative to each other in directions extending substantially normal with respect to each other to selectively bring the passes or grooves of the rolls of one unit into cooperative relation with the corresponding passes or grooves of the rolls of the other unit without the necessity of changing or rearranging the rolls in their respective roll shaft assemblies.

3. Providing novel means for adjusting the rolls of each unit relative to each other whereby pieces of work of maximum and minimum sizes and shapes within the scope of the machine may be straightened without the addition of straightening rolls to or the substitution of other rolls for those already in the machine or the rearrangement of the rolls on their respective shafts.

i. Operating the rolls of both units in unison from a common source of power.

5. Providing for the maximum efiiciency in operation of the rolls by positively driving all of the rolls from the single source of power.

6. Providing for the maximum life and ease of operation of the machine by protecting the bearings and the various driving gears directly associated with the straightening rolls from the scale constantly thrown off by the work during the straightening operation and from other foreign abrasive or injurious material by encasing such bearings and gears in suitable housings.

7. Providing novel and eificient means for supporting the straightening rolls in the machine whereby the rolls of one series of each unit may be brought into relatively close axial relation with each other and with the rolls of the other series so that pieces of work which have a much greater variation in their transverse dimensions or diameters may be more expeditiously straightened than has heretofore been practicable.

8. Maintaining each straightening roll against lateral vibrations or being moved in directions normal to the axis thereof away from the cooperating rolls of the other series during the straightening operation by providing bearing supports for each straightening roll shaft at both ends of the straightening roll carried thereby.

9. Providing for correction of the stresses produced upon the work in the second straightening unit tending to twist or distort the work laterally by offsetting the straightening action produced on the work in the straightening unit first entered thereby, by providing means for producing axial adjustment of one of the intermediate straightening roll assemblies in the second straightening unit.

ii). Contributing to the efliciency and economy of the construction and operation of the machine by constructing and operating the mechanism of the two units substantially alike and by making the various parts thereof, where possible, interchangeable.

Other objects and advantages pertaining to the construction and to the form, relation and operation of the parts thereof will more fully appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan of a straightening machine embodying the various features of this invention.

Figure 2 is a detail vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 22, Figure 1, illustrating the drive connection between the source of power and the two straightening units, the upper and intermediate portions of the second straightening unit being broken away.

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the machine, illustrated in Figure 1, with a portion of the adjusting shaft for the first or vertical straightening unit broken away.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail horizontal sectional view taken on line 44, Figure 3, with the intermediate portion of the base and shaft broken away.

Figure 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 5--5, Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view through the frame of the vertical straightening unit taken substantially in the plane of line 66, Figure 1, showing the greater portion of the adjacent roll shaft assemblies in elevation and the rear portion of the base broken away.

Figure '7 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on line I1, Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a detail vertical sectional View taken on line 8-8, Figure 3.

Figure 9 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view taken through the horizontal straightening unit substantially in the plane of the line 99, Figure 3.

Figures 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are detail horizontal sectional views taken, respectively, on lines I-|0, Hll, l2-|2, l3l3 and M-Hi, Figure 9. 7

Figure 15 is an enlarged detail transverse sectional View taken substantially on line ||5, Figure 3, illustrating the manner of producing axial movement of one of the roll shaft assemblies relative to the remaining roll shaft assemblies to the operating means therefor.

Figure 16 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on line Iii-I6, Figure 10, illustrating the manner of locking one of the roll shaft assemblies to the operating means thereof.

Figure 17 is a detail vertical sectional view taken substantially on line ll-ll, Figure 1, showing the manner of producing vertical movement of the horizontal straightening unit, the intermediate and upper portions of said unit being broken away.

Figure 18 is a detail transverse vertical sectional view taken on line I8l8, Figure 14, illustrating the manner of producing movement of the roll shaft assemblies of one series in a direction normal to the axes thereof relative to the roll shaft assemblies of the other series of the same unit.

Figure 19 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on line i9-l9, Figure 18.

Figures 20 and 21 are detail sectional views illustrating more or less diagrammatically the manner in which the straightening rolls of the horizontal and vertical straightening units cooperate with each other for straightening pieces of work of various sizes and/or shapes as determined by the contour of the passes or grooves in the several rolls.

As hereinbefore indicated, the straightening machine of this invention comprises two units-a vertical unit V and a horizontal unit H. These units are constructed and operated substantially alike. The difference between the structures of the two units resides primarily in that the roll shaft assemblies of the vertical unit are arranged with the axes thereof extended in vertical planes.

while the roll shaft assemblies of the horizontal unit are arranged with the axes thereof extended in horizontal planes. Furthermore, the vertical unit V is mounted to be moved in a horizontal plane relative to the horizontal unit H to bring the straightening rolls thereof into cooperative alignment with the straightening rolls of the horizontal unit, while the horizontal unit H is movable in a vertical plane to bring the straightening rolls thereof into cooperative alignment with the straightening rolls of the vertical unit, as will hereinafter more clearly appear.

Considering the construction shown in the drawings more specifically, it will be noted by referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 that the apparatus comprises a base I which is common to both the vertical and horizontal straightening units. The vertical unit V is mounted upon the base I in somewhat advanced relation to the horizontal unit H, whereby the straightening rolls thereof will be normally maintained in substantially cooperative alignment with the straightening rolls of the horizontal unit H. The vertical unit V is provided with a substantially rectangular frame 2 which is slidably mounted upon the base i to permit the unit to have a limited horizontal movement relative to said base, While the horizontal unit H is provided with a similar substantially rectangular frame 3 which is slidably connected with the base to permit the unit H to have a limited vertical movement relative to the base.

The rectangular frame 2 for the unit V comprises a front plate 5 and a rear plate 6, each of which is arranged edgewise in a vertical plane. These plates 5 and 6 are maintained in spaced relation to each other by vertically disposed end members 7 and 8, one of which, as 'l, is interposed between the outer ends of the plates 5 and 6, while the other member 8 is interposed between the inner ends of said plates. The front and rear plates 5 and 5 and end members 1 and 8 are secured to each other by any suitable means, as bolts 9, which extend through aligned holes provided in the front plate 5 and members I and 8, as indicated in Figures 1 and 3. The front plate 5 is a relatively narrow member, as shown in Figures 3 and 6. The side members "I and 8 extend from the upper edge of plate 5 downwardly to some distance below the plate and have the lower ends thereof mounted in sliding engagement with corresponding planed surfaces or guide ways l0 formed on the bed I. The inner sides of the members i and are each provided with inwardly extending flanges l and 8', respectively, adjacent the lower ends thereof which contact with a corresponding upwardly extending rib 1 connected with the base I for limiting the inward movement of the side members. A gib H is secured to the upper face of each rib I to extend over the corresponding flange 1 or 8' for maintaining the frame 2 against vertical displacement. The rear plate 6 is a relatively wide member and extends from the plane of the upper surfaces of the front plate 5 and end members l and 8 to within a relatively short distance of the lower ends of the side members 1 and 8 and of the base I.

The rectangular frame 3 for the horizontal straightener unit H comprises a top plate l3, a bottom plate l4 disposed in horizontal spaced relation with each other and two vertically disposed end members l5 and I6 arranged between the outer end portions and inner end portions, respectively, of the top and bottom plates l3 and I4. The top and bottom plates l3 and M and the end members [5 and I6 of the frame 3 are secured to each other by bolts 9, in the manner illustrated and described, for the frame 2. The top plate 13 is a relatively narrow member, as shown in Figure 1, and is constructed similar to the front plate 5 of the frame 2. The bottom plate M of frame 3, like the plate 6 of frame 2, is a relatively wide member which extends rearwardly some distance from the vertical plane of rear edge of top plate I3. The bottom plate I4 also has a portion of its ends extending outwardly beyond the adjacent end members I5 and I6 into sliding contact with vertically "disposed guide ways I! and I9 formed respectively in the adjacent faces of vertically disposed standards I9 and 28 secured to or made integral with the base I. Gibs 22 are secured to each of the standards I9 and 28 to prevent lateral displacement of the bottom plate I l with respect to the guide ways I1 and I8. Furthermore, each of the ends of plate I4 has a projection 23 (see Figure 1'7) which extends through a respective elongated slot 24 provided in the adjacent or inner vertical surface of the standards I9 and 20 into the interior of the standards, standards I9 and 29 being chambered, as shown in Figures 2, 4 and 17, to receive said projection 23 and the operating means associated with the projections for producing vertical movement of the frame 3 and the mechanism carried thereby.

This operating mechanism, as shown more clearly in Figure 1'7, includes two nuts 25 each mounted in a respective projection 23 to be maintained thereby against rotation. Associated with each nut 25 is a screw H which extends vertically in the corresponding standard and has the upper end thereof journaled in a bearing member 28 secured in the upper end of the standard. The lower end of each screw 21 extends below the corresponding projection 23 and is journaled in a transversely disposed wall or boss 29 formed in the standard at the lower end of the slot 24. Secured to the lower end of each screw 2'! is a worm gear 39 which is in meshing engagement with a corresponding worm 3| secured to a shaft 32 which extends in a horizontal plane between standards I9 and 2|]. The shaft 32 may, as shown in Figure 3, be composed of sections connected by unions 33 to permit the ready adaptation thereof to machines of various sizes. The ends of the shaft 32 are journaled in the standards I9 and 28 respectively, as shown at 34 and 34, Figure 4. Shaft 32 is manually operated by a crank 35 or the like mounted on a stub shaft 35 journaled in the standard I9 and which is operably connected with the shaft 32 by a pinion 3'! secured to shaft 35 and a spur gear 38 secured to shaft 32. The screws 21 may each be provided with an annular flange 2'! positioned above the bearing member 29 and a thrust bearing 19, may, as shown, be interposed between said flange and bearing member to sustain the screw and frame 3 against downward axial movement, (see Figure 17).

The vertical unit V is adjusted horizontally upon the base I in a manner similar to that explained above for producing vertical adjustment of unit H, as shown in Figures 3 and 8. In the apparatus for adjusting unit V, a sectional worm supporting shaft 32' is journaled to rotate about a horizontal axis, in bearing member 42 secured to the side members I and 8 near the lower ends thereof. To one end of shaft 32' is secured a sprocket wheel 43 which is connected by a chain belt 24 to a sprocket wheel 45 carried by a stub shaft 38' journaled in a bearing bracket 46 secured to the front plate 5, shaft 36' being adapted to be manually rotated by crank 35. The shaft 32 carries two worms 3|, each of which meshes with a respective worm gear 38' secured to the outer end of a respective one of a pair of screws 58. These screws 48 are constructed alike and each extends into a respective end member 'I or 8, as shown in Figure 8. The end members I and 8 of frame 2 and also end members I5 and I6 of frame 3 are chambered to provide maximum lightness consistent with the strength required of them. Each screw 48 is in screw threaded engagement with a respective nut 49 carried by a holding block 50 secured to the base I, as shown in Figure 8. Each nut 49 is so mounted in its block 50 that it will be maintained thereby against rotation as the screw 48 is rotated in either direction so that said screw will be moved axially relative to the block 50 and base I in a corresponding direction. In order to transmit this axial movement of the screws 48 to the frame 2 each screw is provided with an annular flange 52 positioned in a recess in the outer face of the corresponding end member I or 8 and a retaining plate 53 is mounted on each screw 48 and secured to the respective end member I or 8 for rotatably securing the screw to the member.

Upon the base I, at the rear of the vertical unit V, is mounted a motor 55 which has the drive shaft 56 thereof operatively connected, in any suitable manner, with a speed reduction gear unit 51 also mounted upon the base I intermediate the motor 55 and the horizontal straightening unit H. This gear unit 51 may be of any suitable or well known construction and, therefore, it is believed to not be necessary to illustrate or describe the same in detail, except that the drive shaft, as 58, thereof is arranged in a plane above the motor 55 and extends outwardly from opposite sides of the adjacent portion of the case of said unit, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. One end of the drive shaft 58 is operatively connected by a pair of universal joints 59 and a sectional shaft 60 with a drive pinion 6| rotatably mounted in a gear case 62 secured to the outer or inlet end of the frame 2 of the vertical straightener unit V. The other end of the drive shaft 58 is operatively connected by a pair of universal joints 59 and a sectional shaft 63 with a drive pinion 64 rotatably mounted in a gear case 65 secured to the outer or discharge end of the frame 3 of the horizontal unit H. The sections of each of shafts 69 and 63 are arranged in telescopic relation with each other to permit relative axial movement thereof as the straightening units V and H are moved relative to each other and to the gear reducer unit 51 and motor 55. The shaft 63 extends through a relatively large opening 61 in the standard 20 beneath the path of movement of frame 3, as shown in Figure 2.

It will now be observed that, in order to main tain the frame 3 in the upright position, the bottom plate I4 is provided with an upwardly extending projection I4, which has sliding engage-' ment with the adjacent guide way l8, while the end member I5 is provided with a vertically disposed rib I5 which has sliding engagement with the forwardly positioned guide way i8. Further more, gear case 65 is provided with vertically disposed bearing surfaces 55 which slidably engage guide ways If, as shown in Figure 1.

As shown more clearly in Figures 1, 3, 9 and 1.1 each straightening unit V and H is provided with two horizontally disposed drive shafts 69 and '39. One pair of shafts 69 and 18 extends from within the gear case 62 longitudinally of the frame 2 toward the inner end thereof and the other pair of shafts 59 and I8 extends from within the gear case 55 longitudinally of the frame 3 toward the inner end of the latter frame. As shown in Figure '7, the drive shafts 59 and 19 connected with the vertical unit V are rotated in unison by the hereinbefore mentioned drive shaft 59 through the medium of a train of gears H. The train of gears 'iI consists of drive pinion 6|, two similar spin gears I2 and I3, each of which is connected respectively with shafts 69 and I0, and two idle gears We and I5 rotatably mounted in the case 62, one of the idle gears as 74 being disposed between the drive pinion BI and gear I2 and the other idle gear 15 being disposed between gears 12 and it for transmitting motion therebetween.

The drive shafts 69 and I0 associated with horizontal straightening unit H are rotated in unison by drive shaft 63 through the medium of a train of gears l1 mounted in gear case 65, as shown in Figure 5. The train of gears I1 consists of drive pinion 66, two similar spur gears I8 and I9 connected respectively to the drive shafts 69 and "S3 and an idle gear rotatably mounted in gear case 65. As shown in Figure 5, the gear case 65 in this instance is composed of two sections 65 a nd 65", arranged one at either side of the bottom plate I4 and are secured to said plate in any suitable manner as by bolts 8|. Inasmuch as gears 1'3 and I9 are mounted above plate I4 in the upper case section 65' and the drive pinion fit is positioned below the plate I4 in the lower case section 55 the idle gear 80 is shown operating in a slot 02 formed in the plate I4, see Figures 2 and 5. The shafts 69 and "I0 for both straightening units are each maintained against axial movement in one direction by the coaction of the respective case member 62 or 65 with the particular gear 72, I3, 78 or "I9 connected therewith and with a collar 84 or the like secured to each shaft adjacent the exterior surface of the corresponding case member.

The shaft 69 for each straightening unit V and H extends from the respective gear case 62 or 65 through a plurality of gear cases 86, there being gear casing 86 for each roll shaft assembly of a series arranged at one side of the path of movement of the work through the machine. The shaft '50 for each straightening unit V and H extends from the respective gear case 62 or 65 through a plurality of gear housings 01, there being a gear housing 8'! for each roll shaft assembly 89 of the series of said assemblies arranged at the opposite side of said path of movement of the work. The housings B6 are connected directly to the respective gear shaft assemblies 88, as shown in Figures 9 and 11, while the housings 8'? are mounted upon frame 2 or 3 of the respective straightening units V or H in spaced relation to the corresponding series of roll shaft assemblies 89. Shafts 69 are mounted in bearing 90 mounted in one side of each housing 86 for both rotary and axial movement. A suitable stuffing box 0! may, as shown in Figure 11, be connected with each casing 36 opposite the bearing 90 to prevent scale, usually thrown off by the work during the straightening operation or any other foreign material from entering the casing 86 and to prevent the escape of lubricant from the interior of the casing. It is to be understood that shafts I0 are passed through and are journale-d in the casings 8? in a manner similar to that described above for shafts 69 and casings 86 and in as much as the structures of the bearings and stufilng boxes for shafts I0 are substantially the same as those for shafts 69, it is thought to be unnecessary to further illustrate or describe them.

As hereinbefore mentioned each straightening unit V and H comprises the two series of roll shaft assemblies 80 and 89 which are arranged in different planes at opposite sides of the path of movement of the work through the machine. The roll shaft assemblies 88 and 89 in the vertical unit V are arranged so that the straightening rolls thereof rotate about vertical axes while the roll shaft assemblies 89 and 89 in the horizontal unit H are so arranged that the straightening rolls thereof rotate about horizontal axes.

The construction of the roll shaft assemblies of the two series for the straightening units V and H are substantially alike so that a description of one unit of each series will suffice for a description of them all. For this purpose I have chosen one of the roll shaft assemblies of each series contained in the horizontal unit H and as illustrated more clearly in Figures 9, 10, 12, 16 and 18 the construction thereof is as follows:

Each roll shaft assembly 88 of unit H comprises a substantially rectangular supporting housing which is mounted on the bottom plate it of frame 3 for movement relative thereto longitudinally of the frame. This housing 95 is adjustably secured to the plate I4 by bolts 96,

which are mounted in T-slots 97 formed in the plate I4 to extend longitudinally of the frame 3 in parallel relation with each other. A guide key 98 is mounted in the upper face of the bottom plate I-l intermediate T-slots 9'! for guiding the housing 95 during the movement thereof relative to the bottom plate i l. The gear casing 06 is a sectional member and is shown in Figure 11 as having one section as 86' thereof made integral with the housing 95. A roll supporting shaft I00 extends from within the gear casing 86 through the supporting housing 95 and is journaled in suitable bearings IOI and I 02 mounted in the housing 95 with the axis thereof extending in a. horizontal plane substantially normal to the axis of drive shaft 69.

Shaft I00 extends some distance beyond the supporting housing 95 and has the outer end thereof rotatably supported in a bearing member I03. Bearing member I03 is mounted on the bottom plate I4 for movement longitudinally thereof in parallel relation with the movement of housing 95 and is releasably secured to the plate by a pair of bolts I04. Bolts I04 are slidably mounted in a T-slot I05 which extends longitudinally of the bottom plate I4 in parallel relation with the slots 91. Mounted upon the shaft I00 intermediate bearing member I03 and the supporting housing 95 is a straightening roll I0'I which is clamped to the shaft I90 by a nut I08 screw-threaded on the outer end portion of the shaft adjacent the bearing member I03 and a thrust bearing or collar I09 connected to the shaft adjacent the outer or forward end of housing 95. The straightening roll I0! may be adjusted axially of shaft I00 when necessary to bring the work receiving passes or grooves I01 and I0'I thereof into cooperative alignment with corresponding grooves or passes of the remaining straightening rolls of the same straightening unit. This may be easily accomplished by the insertion of one or more shims or washers (not shown) between the inner end of the roll and the collar I09. In order to cause the straightening roll to rotate in unison with shaft I00 the roll and shaft may be keyed together as indicated at II3, Figure 9.

Shaft I00 is operatively connected with the drive shaft 69 by a pair of bevel gears H4 and I I 5. Bevel gear I I4 is fixedly secured to shaft I00 by any suitable means while gear I I5 is connected to shaft 69 by a key II6 to be rotated by said shaft and at the same time is free to slide longitudinally of the shaft to permit adjustment of the roll shaft assembly 88 along the bottom plate I 4 relative to the drive shaft 00. The gear H5 in this instance, as will be seen by referring to Figure 11, carries the inner ball race of bearing to which it is clamped by a retaining ring plate H8. The bearing 90 is clamped to the gear housing 85 by a second retaining ring or plate I I9 which surrounds plate IIB. Suitable packing I23 may be interposed between plates H8 and M9 to prevent foreign abrasive material from entering bearing 30 while a similar packing I20 may be disposed between plate H8 and shaft 33 for preventing such foreign material entering the housing 86 and the escape of lubricant from within the housing.

Roll shaft assembly 89 is shown in Figure 9 as being carried above the roll shaft assembly 88 by the top plate I3 of frame 3. Each roll shaft assembly 33 comprises a supporting housing I24 which is releasably secured to the top. plate I3 by bolts I25 mounted in a. pair of T-slots which extend longitudinally through top plate I3 in parallel spaced relation with each other. A guide key I21 mounted in the top plate i3 intermediate T-slots I26 cooperates with bolts I25 for maintaining the housing 524 in predetermined relation with the top plate I3. The housing I24 comprises a relatively shallow upper chambered portion I28 and two pendant side members I29 which extend from the portion I23 in spaced su stantially parallel relation with each other longitudinally of frame 3 to within a relatively short distance from the plane of the upper or inner surfaces of the supporting housing 95. The lower ends of side members I29 are secured together by a pair of tie plates I30 secured to the member by screws I3I, see Figures 13 and 16. The tie plates I352 extend between the side members I29 in parallel spaced relation with each other and are preferably composed of steel or the like to slidably engage a guide bar I32 and a positioning bar I33 respectively for maintaining the lower portion of the supporting housing I24 against lateral vibratory movement during the straightening operation.

The guide I32 and positioning bar I33 are mounted side by side longitudinally of the frame 3 between a pair of supporting or spacing bars I34 which extend longitudinally of the frame 3 in sliding contact with the adjacent inner ends of the housing members and I24 for maintaining said housing members in predetermined spaced relation when the fastening bolts therefor are loosened. As above stated, housing members I24 are spaced but a short distance from the plane of housing members 95. This is so that the straightening rolls carried thereby may be relatively small in diameter and the rolls of each series can be brought into relatively closerelation longitudinally of the frame 3 to each other. These rolls can, therefore, be used more efficiently to straighten thin wire or other stock than where relatively large diameter straightening rolls must be used, as in other similar machines, due to the housings of the upper or outer series thereof being supported by a relatively thick, heavy member extending intermediate the two series of housings and which is secured to or made integral with the lower or inner series of housings, and wherein the axes of these large rolls of each series are necessarily spaced a correspondingly greater distance from each other. This use of relatively small straightening rolls not only enables the machine to be used for straightening a large variety of stock which vary greatly in size from each other, but also provides for economy in construction and operation of the machine. The supporting bars I34, which are relatively thin, flat members, are secured at their ends to the side members I5 and I6 of frame 3 by screws I35 engaging in inwardly projecting lugs I36 provided on said side members, as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 13.

The positioning bar I33 has the ends thereof slidably mounted in grooves or channels I38 provided in the end members I5 and I6 and is adapted to be manually moved longitudinally in a manner hereinafter described for adjusting the roll shaft assemblies 89 relative to each other. The positioning bar I33, as shown in Figure 16, extends above the spacing bars to slidably contact the adjacent tie bar I30. The guide bar I32 is loosely mounted between the end members I5 and I6 and between the positioning bar I33 and one of the supporting bars I34, and extends above the supporting bars into sliding engagement with the other tie bar I30. The guidebar I32 also extends below the plane of the supporting bars I34 into grooves I40 provided in the upper or inner side of each housing 95 transversely thereof for operatively connecting the housings 95 and I24 to each other at their inner adjacent ends so that said housings are free to move relative to each other in directions longitudinally of the guide bar I32, but are maintained against movement relative to each other in directions extending transversely of the guide bar.

Mounted in the housing I24 is a bearing box I42 which is substantially rectangular in crosssection and is guided for movement relative to the housing I24 toward and from the housings 35 by guide flanges or members I43 which extend longitudinally along the inner side of each side member I29 adjacent the front and rear edges thereof, as shown in Figure 12. The bearing box I42 projects at its ends beyond the side members I29 and is maintained against axial movement relative to the housing I24 by laterally extending thrust flanges I44 formed at the front and rear ends of the bearing box and which contact with the adjacent vertical edges of side members I29. A roll-supporting shaft I46 extends through the bearing box I42 and is rotatably supported therein with the axis thereof in parallel relation with the axes of shafts I00 of the same unit by suitable bearings IN and I02 mounted at a respective end of said bearing box. Shaft I46 like shaft I00 extends forwardly some distance from the supporting housing therefor for supporting a straightening roll I41 thereon, and has its forward end journaled in a bearing member I48 constructed similar to bearing member I03 for shaft I00. Bearing member :48 is secured by screw I49 to the outer end of an arm I50 which is secured by screws I5! or their equivalent to the upper side of thebearing box !42 and extends forwardly therefrom over the forward portion of shaft I45 in spaced relation to said shaft, as shown in Figures 9 and 12. A thrust bracket I54 is secured to the outer end portion of the arm I50. This bracket I54 extends outwardly from said arm away from shaft I45 and into sliding contact with a smooth bearing surface I56 provided on the front vertical edge of the top plate I3 to maintain the arm I53 from being deflected outwardly during the straightening operation by pressure exerted on the outer end of the arm through bearing member I48. The lengths of the bearing surface I56 and of the surface I54 on bracket I54, coacting with surface I56, are such that the required adjustment of housing I 24 longitudinally of frame 3 and the adjustment of bearing box I42 relative to housing I24 for adapting the machine to work of different sizes and shapes may be made without re-arranging the bracket I54 on arm I50.

The adjustment of the bearing block I42 relative to the housing I24 is manually accomplished by means of a shaft I60 rotatably mounted, as shown in Figure 10, in the upper portion I23 of housing I24. Secured to shaft I60 are two Worms I8! each of which is in meshing engagement with a respective set of worm gear teeth I62 provided on a respective one of two nuts I63 rotatably mounted in the housing portion I28. The nuts I63 are in screw-threaded engagement with a respective one of a pair of screw members I64 which extend downwardly or inwardly from the housing portion I28 intermediate side members I29 and into the arm I50, as shown in Figure 9. The end of each screwthreaded member I64 engaged in arm I59 is provided with a substantially square head I64 which is positioned in a similar recess I50 provided in the inner side of the arm for maintaining the screw member against rotation relative to the housing I24. It will be understood that there is one of these adjusting units for each roll shaft assembly 89 so that by rotating a shaft I69, the roll shaft I46 and the straightening roll mounted thereon may be moved relative to the housing I24 toward and from the path of movement of the work through the straightening unit in which said roll is mounted. Each shaft I69 has the forward end thereof extended ,a short distance outwardly beyond the housing portion I26 and provided with a square portion I60 by which said shaft may be operatively engaged by a wrench, crank or the like (not shown) whereby the shaft may be manually manipulated.

The means for adjusting each roll shaft assembly 89 longitudinally of the frame 3 comprises the hereinbefore mentioned positioning bar I 33, which, as shown in Figure 13, extends longitudinally through the frame 3 and is common to all the roll shaft assemblies 89 in the straightening unit H. Each of the roll shaft assemblies 89 is provided with a control means for releasably securing the same to the positioning bar so that each roll shaft assembly 89 may be moved independently of the remaining roll shaft assemblies 89 of the same unit when the positioning bar I33 is operated.

The positioning bar I33 is adapted to be manually moved longitudinally with respect to the frame 3 in either direction, and for this purpose the end of the bar I33 at the outer end of the frame 3 is extended a short distance beyond the frame and provided with a rack I66. A pinion I67 meshing With the rack I66 is secured to a short shaft I68 which is journaled in a bracket I69 secured to the end member I5, as shown in Figure 13. One end of shaft I68 is extended outwardly beyond the adjacent bracket I69 and is provided with a square portion I68 adapted to be engaged by a wrench or crank member (not shown) whereby shaft I68 may be manually rotated for actuating the bar I33. The bar I33 is provided with a T-slot I33 which, as shown in Figure 13, is arranged with the enlarged portion thereof in the side of the bar facing the roll shaft assemblies 88, and extends from within a short distance of rack I66 to the opposite end thereof. In the enlarged head portion of the slot I33 is mounted a plurality of nuts I79, one for each roll shaft assembly 89. In each nut I 70 is screw-threaded one end of a clamping rod I7I which, as shown in Figure 16, extends outwardly through the small or narrow portion of the slot I33 and into the adjacent housing I24 by entering a hole I72 provided in an inwardly extending flange I29 provided at the lower end of each side member I29 (see Figures 12 and 16).

The upper end of the rod I7I passes through a suitable aperture provided in a laterally disposed boss I73 formed on one of the side members I29 2, short distance below the upper portion I28 of housing I24 and into a guide opening I74 provided in the housing portion I28.

The clamping rod I7I is provided with a diametrically disposed cam slot I76 arranged adjacent the upper or outer face of the boss I73, the outer end wall I76 of slot I76 being inclined to the axis of the rod to form a cam surface. In the slot I76 is mounted a cam plate I77 adapted to coact with the boss I73 and cam surface I76 upon movement of the plate transversely of the rod I'II for producing a limited outward longitudinal movement of the rod. A wear plate or washer I78 may, as shown in Figure 16, be positioned on rod I7I between the cam plate I77 and boss I73. The cam plate I77 is moved relative to the rod HI and boss I73 by means of a rod i 79 which is screw-threaded in the outer end of the plate and extends forwardly therefrom through a suitable hole I80 formed in the adjacent guide flanges I43 (see Figures 12 and 16). The outer end of rod I79 is enlarged to provide a shoulder I8I adapted to engage the forward surface of the flange member I43 for limiting the inward longitudinal movement of the rod I79 relative to the housing I24. The outer end of rod I79 is provided with a square socket I79 adapted to receive a wrench or the like (not shown) by which the rod may be manually rotated for producing movement of the cam plate I77. When cam plate I77 is moved outwardly it will effect movement of the rod I H in a direction away from the positioning bar I33 and the bar I33 will be clamped to the lower ends of side members I29 whereby the roll shaft assembly 69 may be moved, when the fastening bolts I25 therefor are loosened, in unison with the positioning bar I33. When the rod I79 is rotated in a reverse direction to permit the cam. plate I77 to move inwardly, the rod I7I will be permitted to move toward the positioning bar I33 and release the clamping action between the bar I33 and housing I24.

As will be readily understood, the roll shaft assemblies 88 connected to plate I4 have but one adjustment, namely, longitudinally of the frame 3, and the means for producing this adjustment when the bolts 96 and I94 are loosened comprises a screw shaft I84, which extends longitudinally through the frame 3 and housings 95 with the ends thereof journaled in one of the side members, as I5, of the frame (see Figure 14). The outer end portion of the shaft I84 is provided with an annular flange I85 which coacts with the side member I5 and a retaining collar I86 secured to the side member I5, as shown in Figure 14, for maintaining the shaft I84 against axial movement relative to the frame 3. The outer end of the shaft I84 is provided with a square portion I84 adapted to be engaged by a wrench or crank member (not shown) whereby the shaft may be manually rotated.

In the lower portion of each housing '95 is positioned a half-nut member I88 which is pivotally connected to the housing 95 by a pin I89 at the rear of the shaft I84, as shown in Figures 14 and 18. Each nut member I88 is provided with a screw-threaded semi-circular recess 199 in the upper edge thereof adapted to engage the screw threads I81 on the shaft I84. The nut member I88 extends a short distance forwardly from the recess I99, and has the forward end thereof provided with a slot I92 extending transversely thereof. In the slot I92 is positioned a pin I93 which is mounted in one end of a sectional shaft I94 in eccentric relation therewith (see Figures 14, 18 and 19). The inner end of shaft I94 is journaled in an intermediate wall I99 formed in the housing 95. The shaft I94 extends through the forward wall of the housing 95, and has the outer end thereof provided with a square portion I94 adapted to receive a wrench or a similar tool by which the shaft may be manually rotated.

It will thus be seen that when the nut I88 is in meshing engagement with the screw threads I81, the particular roll shaft assembly 88 to which the nut is connected may be moved longitudinally of the frame 3 by the rotation of the shaft I84 in a direction depending upon the direction of rotation of said shaft. During this movement of the roll shaft assembly 88, the corresponding gear housing 89 will be moved in unison therewith, and the gear I15 mounted on the drive shaft 89 will move in unison with the housing 89 longitudinally of the shaft 89 in meshing engagement with the gear member II4 for maintaining the straightening roll shaft I99 associated with the roll shaft assembly in continuous operative connection with the drive shaft 69.

In the construction shown, the gear housing 81 for each of the roll shaft assemblies 89 of straightening unit H is adjustably supported by the bottom plate I4 independently of the housing I24. As shown more clearly in Figures 1 and 9, each gear housing 81 for straightening unit H is mounted upon the upper surface of a support 299 which is secured to the bed plate I4 to extend longitudinally of the plate adjacent the rear edge thereof. This support 999 is provided with two inverted T-slots 29 I, in the upper surface thereof, arranged in uniform spaced relation longitudinally of the support 299. Each gear housing 81 is adjustably secured to the support 299 by bolts 292 mounted in said T-slots 291. J ournaled in each housing 81 is a stub shaft 294 upon which is mounted a worm gear 295 which is in meshing engagement with a worm 296 secured to the shaft 19 by a key 291, whereby the worm will be positively rotated by the shaft and at the same time is free to move axially along said shaft during the adjustment of the gear housing 81 relative to the support 299 and shaft 19. The shaft 294 is operatively connected with a respective straightening roll shaft 149 by means of a pair of universal joints 298 and a shaft 299, as shown in Figure 9. The shaft 299 is composed of two sections mounted in telescopical relation with each other to permit the free relative movement of the corresponding roll shaft assembly and gear housing 81. It will be understood that the sections of the shaft 299 are splined to each other, whereby rotation of one section will produce a corresponding rotation of the other section.

While I have shown and described in detail the construction of the two series of roll shaft assemblies 88 and 89 located in the horizontal straightening unit H and means for adjusting such assemblies relative to each other as well as the means for operating the straightening rolls connected therewith, it is to be understood that the two series of roll shaft assemblies of the vertical straightening unit V, the means for adjusting the same relative to each other and the means for operating the straightening rolls connected therewith are constructed and operated in the same manner as those associated with the horizontal unit I-I. As shown in Figure 6, the roll shaft assemblies 88, in the vertical unit V, and the bearing members I93 associated therewith are each mounted upon the rear plate 6, while the roll shaft assemblies 89 are mounted upon the front plate 5. Likewisathe front plate 5 is provided with a bearing surface I59 along the upper longitudinal edge thereof which is adapted to be engaged by thrust brackets I54 mounted upon the arms I59 associated with each roll shaft assembly 89 for preventing lateral vibratory movement of the straightening roll shafts I49 associated therewith.

Furthermore, it will be noted, that the gear housings 86 for the roll shaft assemblies 98 of straightening unit V are connected with the housings 95 of the roll shaft assemblies and adjustably connected with the rear plate 9, while the gear housings 81 are adjustably connected with the support 299 which is secured to the rear plate 6. Also, the shafts 299 for the series of roll shaft assemblies 89 connected with the front plate 5 extend upwardly from the respective gear casings 81 in vertical planes for driving the straightening roll shafts I46. The straightening rolls, as 2 and 2I2, connected with the roll shaft assemblies 88 and 89 respectively of the vertical unit V, are secured to their respective shafts in the same manner in which the rolls I 91 and I41 of the horizontal unit H are con-- nected to their shafts that is, by a thrust collar or bearing I99 and a nut I98.

The straightening rolls 2 and 212 are each provided with two distinct peripheral grooves or passes arranged in spaced relation longitudinally of the rolls to each other. These grooves, as will readily be understood, are formed in their respective rolls to conform to the contour of the particular pieces of work which are to be straight-- ened. That is, in the illustration chosen, the upper positioned grooves, as 2H and ZIZ', are shown as being adapted to engage opposite side surfaces of one class of work, as an I-beam, see Figure 21, while the lower positioned grooves or passes 2H and 212" are shown as being adapted to engage opposite vertical sides of a second class of Work as a Z-bar. Likewise, the straightening rolls I91 and I41 associated with the horizontal straightening unit H are each pro-- vided with two distinct peripheral grooves or passes arranged in spaced relation to each other axially of the rolls.

The rolls I91 are each provided with peripheral grooves I91 and I91", while the rolls I41 are provided with peripheral grooves I41 and I41". The grooves I91 and I41 are adapted, as shown in Figure 20, to receive the upper and lower horizontal portions of the I-beam therein, while the grooves I91" and I41 are adapted to engage the lower upper horizontal portions respectively of the Z-bar.

It will now be observed that before operating the machine, the vertical and horizontal unit V and H may be adjusted if necessary to bring complemental work receiving grooves or passes of the straightening rolls therein into cooperative alignment with each other for engaging a specific piece of work. For instance, if an I-beam, as 1, Figures 20 and 21, is to be straightened, the frame 2 of the vertical unit V may be moved horizontally upon the base I by the rotation of screws 48 through the medium of the stub shaft 36', chain 44, shaft 32, worms and worm gears 35 and 89 to bring the vertical plane Z'Z' extending midway between the axes A'-A, B'B', of rotation of rolls 2H and 2I2 respectively into cooperative alignment with vertical medial plane Z-Z passing through the complemental grooves 58? and I4l" of the horizontal unit H. Likewise, the frame 3 of the horizontal unit H may be adjusted vertically by the rotation of the screws 2? through the medium of the stub shaft 36, gears 9? and 38, shaft 32 and gears 3| and 30 to bring the horizontal plane X-X extending midway between the axes A-A, 3-13 of rotation of rolls i8? and I41 respectively into cooperative alignment with the horizontal medial plane X'X' of the complemental grooves 2H and U2 of the straightening rolls of the unit V.

It will also be understood that before the machine is operated to perform the straightening operation upon a given piece of work, the roll shaft assemblies 88 and 89 of each unit V and H may be adjusted longitudinally of the respective frames 2 and 3 to bring the straightening rolls associated therewith into proper spaced relation, depending upon the size or character of the work, with the coacting rolls of the corresponding unit. This adjustment of the roll shaft assemblies is accomplished by moving one series of rolls at a time; to illustrate: considering first that the roll shaft assemblies 88 are to be adjusted relative to the series of roll shaft assemblies 89 in the vertical unit Vall of the nut members I88, except one, are moved to or maintained in the inoperative position out of engagement with the shaft I84. The bolts 9'! and I04 associated with the particular assembly having operative connection with shaft I84 may then be loosened after which the assembly is moved longitudinally of the frame 2 by the operator turning the shaft I84 in one direction or the other, depending upon the direction it is desired to move the roll shaft assembly. After this particular roll shaft assembly has been thus moved longitudinally of the frame 2 to the desired position thereof, the assembly and bearing bracket I83 is secured to the rear plate 6 by tightening the bolts 9! and I84.

The nut member I88 is then moved out of operative engagement with the shaft I84, in the manner hereinbef-ore described, by manipulation of the respective shaft I94. Another one of the roll shaft assemblies I88 is next released from the rear plate 6 by the loosening of the bolts 91 and I84 associated therewith, after which the nut member I88 connected with this particular roll shaft assembly is brought into operative engagement with the shaft I84 and said shaft is then rotated to move the assembly to the desired position. This second assembly is then secured to the rear plate 6 by tightening the bolts 91 and I85 associated therewith and the nut member I88 is moved out of engagement with the shaft I84. In like manner, the remaining roll shaft assemblies of this series is adjusted in the frame 2 to bring the same into predetermined spaced relation with the adjacent roll shaft assemblies of the same series.

The roll shaft assemblies 89 of the companion series in the unit V may next be adjusted, one at a time, to bring the same into proper spaced relation with each other and with the roll shaft assemblies 88 of the other series in said unit. In adjusting the roll shaft assemblies 89, a selected one is released from the front plate 5 by loosening the bolts I25 connected therewith. As the bolts I25 are loosened, the roll shaft assembly will be slidably supported by the supporting bars I34 in spaced relation to the roll shaft assemblies 88 adjacent thereto. All of the roll shaft assemblies 89 are to be released from clamping engagement with the positioning bar I33 by inward movement of the cam plates I'I'I through the medium of the screws I19 or be maintained out of clamping engagement with bar I33, with the exception of the roll shaft assembly which has been loosened from the front plate 5. If the positioning bar I33 is not clamped to the loose assembly it is first clamped to said assembly by means of shaft I19 and cam plate Ill and is then moved longitudinally in the frame 2 by the manipulation of the shaft I68 and pinion I67. As the bar I33 is thus moved longitudinally in one direction or the other, a corresponding movement of the roll shaft assembly 89 connected therewith will be produced to bring the assembly 89 into the desired position relative to the adjacent roll shaft assemblies 88 of the companion series. After the first shaft assembly 89 is thus positioned, the same is released from clamping engagement with the positioning bar I33 by the inward movement of the cam plate I'I'I connected therewith, and then this roll shaft assembly is secured in position by tightening the bolts I25. In like manner,

the remaining roll shaft assemblies 89 of the unit V are moved, one at a time, into proper spaced relation with the adjacent roll shaft assemblies of the companion series and then secured in position.

It will be understood however, that While I have explained a specific method of procedure in adjusting the two series of roll shaft assemblies in the vertical unit V, other methods may be as readily followed, for instance, the roll shaft assemblies of the two series may be adjusted alternately or the series comprising roll shaft assemblies 89 may be all adjusted prior to the adjustment of the roll shaft assemblies 88 of the other series.

In like manner, the roll shaft assemblies 88 I and 89 in the horizontal straightening unit H are adjusted, one at a time, to bring the same into the required spaced relation with each other depending upon the size and shape of the work to be straightened. After the roll shaft assemblies 88 and 89 of both units V and H have thus been properly positioned relative to each other longitudinally of the respective frames 2 and 3, the roll shaft assemblies 89 of each unit are next adjusted in a direction toward or from the path of movement of the work through the machine to bring the peripheral surfaces of the straightening rolls associated therewith into such intersecting relation with the general path of movement of the work between the rolls as to effect the desired bending operation of the work. This adjustment of the roll shaft assemblies 89 toward the path of movement of the work is effected by the manipulation of the shaft I60, through the medium of the gear members I6I, I62 and nuts During the adjustment of the roll shaft assemblies 88, of both straightening units, it will be understood that the gear casings 86 connected therewith will move in unison with the housings 95, while the beveled gears IIB, mounted on a drive shaft 69, will move in unison with said casings 86 along the shaft 69 and will, therefore, always remain in meshing engagement with the corresponding beveled gear H4 connected with the roll supporting shaft I00.

If the roll shaft assembliesBQ are moved a considerable distance relative to the supporting frames therefor during the positioning thereof so as to bring the roll supporting shafts I46 thereof considerably out of alignment with the shafts 204 connected therewith, and thus interfere with the smooth operation of the machine, the shafts 204 may be brought into substantially coaxial alignment with the corresponding shafts I46 by adjusting the gear casings 8'I longitudinally of the support 200, after the bolts 202 have been loosened. If the lateral adjustment of the roll shaft assemblies 69 is only slight, relative to the shafts 204, it will be obvious that the gear casings 81 may remain in the set position upon the support 200, and any inaccuracy in the alignment of the shaft 204 and I46 with each other will be compensated for through the medium of the universal joints 208 and sectional shaft 209. The machine is now ready to operate for straightening pieces of work as I-beam I adapted to be received in the straightening roll grooves When it is desired to straighten pieces of work which are adapted to be operatively received in the straightening roll grooves 2| and M2" and I01" and 841", it will be understood that the machine will be readjusted in the manner above described to bring these latter grooves of the two units into cooperative relation with each other. That is, the vertical unit V will be adjusted horizontally on the base I to bring the vertical plane Z--Z into coincidental relation with the vertical medial plane 0-0 of the grooves 101" and I41 of the straightening unit H, while the straightening unit H will be adjusted vertically to bring the plane XX into coincidental relation with the horizontal medial plane Y-Y of the grooves 2! I" and 2I2 of the straightening unit V. Also, the roll shaft assemblies 86 and 86 of the two units may be adjusted, if necessary, in the manner above described, to bring the same into proper relation with each other to remove any undulations in the surface of the work,

It will now be understood that straightening rolls, having two or more work receiving grooves or passes arranged in spaced relation to each other axially of the rolls, may be adjusted so that the rolls may be utilized to straighten different pieces of work adapted to be received in said grooves or passes without the necessity of changing the rolls or rearranging them on their respective shafts. When it is necessary to change a straightening roll, this may be readily accomplished by loosening the bolts I04 or I49 for securing the bracket member I63 or i 48 in supporting relation with its respective shaft, after which the particular bearing member may be readily removed from its support by drawing the same outwardly and permitting the bolts to pass through the elongated slot I03 or I49 associated therewith, as will be readily understood. After the particular hearing has thus been removed, the

nut I08 is removed from the shaft after which the particular straightening roll may be replaced by another straightening roll of required specifications and said latter roll secured in place by screw-threading the nut I66 back on to the shaft. After the new straightening roll is thus secured to its respective supporting shaft, the bearing member I03 or I48 is again secured in supporting relation with the shaft by fastening the same to the plate 6 or I4 of the unit V or H, or to the arm I50, as the case may be.

It often occurs, when straightening metal bars, that the stresses produced thereon by the straightening rolls in the second straightening unit counteract, to a certain degree, the action on the bar of the first straightening unit, as V, entered by the bar with the result the bar is warped or tends to twist laterally in a direction substantially normal to the stresses produced thereon by the straightening rolls in the second unit. In order to overcome the action of these stresses upon the bar being straightened, I have provided means whereby one of the intermediate straightening rolls of one of the series of the econd or horizontal unit H may be adjusted axially to a limited degree. This construction is shown more particularly in Figure 15 and consists in mounting the roll supporting shaft, as I45, in bearings 2i5 and 2I6 which are adapted for adjustment axially of the shaft. To explain in detail: the bearing 2I5, mounted in the forward end of the bearing box I42, has the inner bearing race 2I'I thereof clamped to the shaft E46 between a collar or annular flange 2 I8 provided on said shaft, and nuts 21!) screw-threaded on the shaft so that the inner bearing race 2II will be caused to move axially with the shaft. The rolling members, as 220, of the bearing are mounted in annular grooves provided in the peripheral surface of the inner bearing race 2II to move axially in unison with said latter bearing race and slidably contact with the outer bearing race Hi to move axially relative thereto, said outer bearing 22I to move axially relative thereto, said outer bearing race being secured to the adjacent portion of the bearing box I42, as illustrated, so as to remain in fixed relation therewith.

The bearing member 2H6, mounted in the inner end of the bearing box I42, has the inner bearing race 222 clamped to the shaft I46 between a shoulder 223 formed on said shaft, and nuts 224 screw-threaded on the shaft adjacent the rear end of the bearing box I42. The outer bearing race 225 of the bearing 2I6 is clamped to the interior of a bearing supporting member 226 between a shoulder 221 formed thereon and a nut 228 screw-threaded into the rear end portion of the bearing support 226 so that any axial movement of the bearing support 226 will be transmitted through the members of the bearing 2I6 to the shaft I446. The bearing support 226 has the inner end thereof maintained in screwthreaded engagement, as at 229, with the adjacent portion of the bearing box I42 so that the bearing support 226 may be moved axially in either direction relative to the bearing box I42 by the screw-threads 229 upon relative rotation of said bearing support and bearing box. It will thus be seen that in order to bring the grooves or passes of the straightening roll carried by the shaft I46 out of normal cooperating alignment with the remaining straightening rolls of the same straightening unit, it is only necessary to rotate the bearing support 226 in one direction or the other to produce a corresponding axial movement of the shaft I46 and the straightening roll carried thereby. During this axial movement of the shaft I45, the outer end thereof moves axially relative to the bearing member I48 connected with the arm I56.

In order that this axial adjustment of the shaft I46 and the straightening roll carried thereby may be readily accomplished, whether the machine is in operation or not, I have provided the bearing support 226 with gear teeth 23! formed in the peripheral edge of an annular flange 226 formed on the outer end portion of the bearing support 226. A pinion 232, mounted upon the inner end of a shaft 233, is in constant engagement with the gear teeth 23!. This shaft 233 is rotatably mounted in bearing members 234 and 235 associated with the arm IE0 at one side of the longitudinal center of said arm and has the outer end thereof extended a short distance beyond the outer end of the arm I50 and provided with a square portion 233 adapted to be engaged by a wrench, crank or the like, whereby said shaft and the pinion 232 may be manually rotated.

It will now be observed that inasmuch as the straightening rolls of both series of each straightening unit V and H are power driven in unison, the Work will usually be driven through the straightening units without the aid of specially arranged pinch or feeding rolls. However, it will be noted that inasmuch as all of the roll shaft assemblies of each unit are adapted to be adjusted longitudinally of the supporting frame therefor, any straightening roll of one series may be brought into the transverse plane passing through the axis of an adjacent straightening roll of the other series, normal to the path of movement of the Work, as illustrated at the right-hand side of the unit V in Figure 1, to form coacting pinch or feeding rolls.

Although I have shown and particularly described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I do not wish to be limited to the exact construction shown, as various changes, both in the form and relation of the parts thereof, may readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a metal part straightening machine of the class having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened therebetween, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of bearing supporting housings, one housing for each roll, means securing the housings of one series of rolls to one side of the frame, separate means releasably securing the housing of the second series of rolls to the opposite side of the frame, means for adjusting said housings of said second series of rolls relative to each other in directions substantially parallel with said planes of operation of the rolls comprising a bar slidably mounted in said frame for movement in a plane substantially parallel with said first mentioned planes, means for actuating said bar, and means carried by the housings of said second series of rolls for releasably securing each of said housings to said bar independently of the remaining rolls of said latter series.

2. A device as in claim 1 having separate means for adjusting the straightening rolls of one of said series toward and from the straightening rolls of the other series to increase or decrease the distance between said parallel planes.

3. In a metal part straightening machine of the class having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of bearing supporting housings, one housing for each roll, means releasably securing the housings of the first of said series of rolls to one side of the frame, separate means releasably securing the housings of the second series of rolls to the opposite side of the frame, means for adjusting the housings of one of said series of rolls relative to the housings of the other series of rolls comprising a positioning bar slidably mounted in said frame intermediate the housings of said two series of rolls for movement in a plane extending substantially parallel with said parallel planes, means for actuating said bar, and means for releasably securing each of the housings of at least one of the series of rolls to said bar.

4. In a metal part straightening machine of the class having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of bearing supporting housings, one housing for each roll, means releasably securing the housings of the first of said series of rolls to one side of the frame, separate means releasably securing the housings of the second series of rolls to the opposite side of the frame, means for adjusting the housings of one of said series of rolls relative to the housings of the other series of rolls comprising a positioning bar slidably mounted in said frame intermediate the housings of said two series of rolls for movement in a direction substantially parallel with said planes of operation of said rolls, means for actuating said bar, means for releasably securing each of the housings of the second series of rolls to said bar, and separate means for adjusting the housings of the first series of rolls with respect to said housings of said second series of rolls.

5. A straightening machine as in claim 4 wherein the latter adjusting means includes a screw shaft journaled in the frame and extending through the housings of said second series of rolls in spaced relation to said positioning bar, a plurality of nut members for the first series of housings, one for each housing, means connected with each nut member for moving the same into and out of threaded engagement with the shaft, and separate means for rotating said shaft.

6. In a metal part straightening machine of the class having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of housings, one housing for each roll, means securing the housings of the first series of rolls to one side of the frame, separate means releasably securing the housings of the second seriesof rolls to the opposite side of the frame in spaced relation to said housings of the first series of rolls, means for adjusting the housings of said second series of rolls relative to the housings of said first series of rolls comprising a positioning bar slidably mounted in said frame intermediate the housings of said two series of rolls, means for actuating said bar, means for releasably securing each of the housings of said second series of rolls to said bar, and supporting means connected with the frame and extending between the housings of said two series of rolls for slidably supporting the housings of said second series of rolls when the said latter housings are released from the frame.

7. A device as in claim 6 having guide means operatively connected with the frame and with the supporting means for maintaining the housings of the second series of rolls against lateral displacement during the adjustment of the housmgs.

8. In a metal part straightening machine of the class having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of bearing supporting housings, one housing for each roll, means releasably securing the housings of the first series of rolls to one side of the frame, separate means releasably securing the housings of the second series of rolls to said frame in spaced relation to said housings of said first series of rolls, means for adjusting the housings of said first series of rolls in a direction substantially parallel with said planes of operation of the rolls relative to the frame and to the housings of the second series of rolls, separate means connected with the housings of the second series of rolls for producing adjustment thereof relative to the frame and to said housings of said first series of rolls in a direction substantially parallel with said planes of operation of the rolls, and means including a guide bar mounted intermediate the housings of said two series of rolls having sliding engagement with said housings for maintaining the same against lateral displacement relative to each other during said adjustment thereof.

9. In a metal part straightening machine of the class having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of housings, one housing for each roll, means releasably securing the housings of the first of said series of rolls to one side of the frame, separate means securing the housings of the second of said series of rolls to the opposite side of the frame in spaced relation to the housings of said first series of rolls, means for adjusting the housings of said first series of rolls relative to the housings of said second series of rolls comprising a screw shaft journaled in the frame, a plurality of nut members, one for each of the housings of said first series of rolls, means connecting each nut member with its respective housing for movement relative thereto, manually operated control means connected with each housing of said first series of rolls and operatively engaging the nut member thereof for bringing said nut member into and out of screw-threaded engagement with the screw shaft, and means for rotating said screw shaft.

10. In a machine for straightening metal parts of the class having two series of straightening rolls, a supporting frame therefor, a plurality of shafts, one for each straightening roll, the rolls of at least one of said series being mounted on their respective shafts intermediate the ends of, said shafts, inner and outer bearing means for.

each shaft of said latter series of rolls positioned at opposite ends of the roll carried thereby, a plurality of housings carried by said frame, one housing for each of said latter series of shafts, means operatively connecting the inner bearing means of each shaft with a respective one of said housings, means for adjusting the housings of said one of the series of rolls relative to the housings of the other series of rolls, and

thrust members associated with the outer bearing means, each of said thrust members being connected with a respective one of said latter housings to move therewith and slidably contacting with the frame for maintaining the outer bearing means against lateral vibration with respect to the axis of the respective shaft.

11. A device as in claim 10 having means for adjusting a shaft of one of said series axially with respect to said housing therefor.

12. In a metal part straightening machine, a shaft, a straightening roll mounted on the shaft intermediate the ends thereof, a supporting means, means operably connecting the shaft to said supporting means, including inner bearing members rotatably supporting the shaft at the inner side of the straightening roll, a bearing box for the inner bearing members, means adjustably connecting the bearing box to the supporting means, whereby the shaft and straightening roll may be moved relative to the supporting means into various operative positions, an outer bearing means fixedly connected to the bearing box to move therewith and rotatably supporting the shaft at the outer side of the straightening roll, and a thrust element interposed between the outer bearing means and the supporting means for maintaining that portion of the shaft engaging the outer bearing means against lateral vibration, said thrust element being fixedly connected with one of said latter means and having sliding contact with the other one of said latter means during said adjustment of the shaft relative to the supporting means.

13. In a straightening machine of the class described having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of bearing supporting housings, one housing for each roll, means securing the housings of one series of rolls to one side of the frame, separate means slidably and releasably securing the housings of the second series of rolls to said frame in opposed relation to the housings of the first series of rolls, means for adjusting said housings of said second series of rolls relative to the housings of the first series of rolls in directions substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the rolls thereof including a screw shaft common to said housings of the second series journaled in said frame, nut members connected with said latter housings movable into and out of operative engagement with said screwshaft, and means connected with said latter housings to move therewith for actuating said nut members independently of each other.

14. In a straightening machine of the class described having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of bearing supporting housings, one housing for each roll, means adjustably securing the housings of the first series of rolls tothe frame, separate means securing the housings of the second series of rolls to said frame in opposed relation to the housings of the first series of rolls, means for adjusting said housing of said first series of rolls relative to the frame and to the housing of the second series of rolls in directions longitudinally of the frame including a bar common to said housing of said first series movably mounted in said frame, means for actuating said bar, and separate manually operated means connected with each of said latter housings to move therewith having clamping engagement with the bar for releasably securing the housings to said bar independently of each other.

15. A straightening machine as set forth in claim 14 having guide means positioned longitudinally of the frame in operative engagement with the two series of housings for guiding and supporting the housings of the first series during the adjustment thereof.

16. In a straightening machine of the class described having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the Work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, means operatively connecting the straightening rolls of the first series to the frame, separate means securing the straightening rolls of the second series to said frame in cooperative relation with the rolls of the first series comprising a plurality of housing members, one housing for each of said rolls, means operatively connecting the straightening rolls of said second series with said housing members including bearing boxes connected with said housings for movement with respect thereto, means adjustably connecting said housings with the frame whereby said housings may be moved with respect to the frame in directions substantially normal to the movement of the bearing boxes, manually operated means including an actuating member connected with the frame arranged common to said housings and a plurality of connecting means carried by said housings selectively engageable with said actuating member for adjusting the housings, and separate means connected with the housings independently of the frame for adjusting said bearing boxes.

1'7. In a metal part straightening machine, having two series of straightening rolls arranged to operate in different substantially parallel planes to receive the work to be straightened between them, supporting means for said rolls including a frame, a plurality of bearing supporting housings, one housing for each roll, means adjustably securing the housings to the frame with the housings of one series of rolls arranged in opposed slightly spaced relation with the housings of the other series of rolls, whereby the housings of both series may be adjusted longitudinally of the frame independently of the housings of the other series and of each other, separate means for adjusting the housings of one series with respect to the housings of the other series including a member connected with the frame and common to the housings of said series, and guide means connected with the frame and extending longitudinally thereof between the two series of housings in sliding engagement with said housings for maintaining the housings of both series against lateral movement with respect to each other during adjustment thereof.

18. A straightening machine as set forth in claim 17 wherein adjusting members for one of said series of housings are mounted intermediate for, the rolls of one unit being connected with I the corresponding frame to rotate about axes extending at substantially right angles to the axes of rotation of the straightening rolls of the other unit, means for adjusting each of said frames on the base in directions extending substantially normal to the directions of movement of the other frame to bring the rolls of one unit into co-operati-ve alignment with the rolls of the other unit, means for driving the rolls of both units in unison with each other comprising a single drive element mounted on the base at one side of said frames, two pairs of drive shafts, one pair of said drive shafts for each unit, each of said pairs of drive shafts being connected with the corresponding frame to rotate about spaced substantially parallel axes and to move with said frame in fixed relation thereto, means operatively connecting each of said drive shafts with a respective series of straightening rolls, and separate means including extensible shafts operatively connecting each pair of drive shafts with the drive element.

20. In a straightening machine of the class described having a plurality of straightening rolls, supporting means for said rolls including shafts and bearing supporting elements associated with said shafts adjustable in directions substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the rolls whereby said rolls may be adjusted toward or from each other, power means for rotating the rolls in unison, means for producing unitary adjustment of one of the straightening rolls axially independently of the remaining rolls including a control member rotatably carried by the bearing supporting elements associated with said one of the rolls for movement with respect thereto, said control member being normally maintained stationary during the rotation of the rolls and having operative connection with the shaft for the roll and with said supporting element so constructed and arranged that upon movement of the control member relative to the supporting element axial movement of the shaft is produced with respect to said element, and manually operated means connected with said control member and functioning independently of the power operated means for rotating said control member during the operation of the rolls by said power means.

21. In a straightening machine of the class described having a plurality of straightening rolls, supporting means for said rolls including shafts and bearing supporting elements for the shafts adjustable in directions normal to the axis of rotation of the rolls whereby the rolls may be adjusted toward and from each other, power means for rotating the rolls in unison, means for producing unitary adjustment of one of the straightening rolls axially independently of the remaining rolls including a control member positioned at the rear end of said one of the rolls and having screw-threaded engagement with the bearing supporting element for said roll, said control member being operatively connected with the shaft for the roll to produce axial movement of said-shaft as said control member is rotated with respect to the bearing carrying element, and manually operated means operatively connected with the control member and including a member extending to the front end of said straightening roll functioning independently of the power operated means for rotating said control member during the operation of the rolls by the power means.

22. In a. straightening machine of the class described, a base, two straightening units mounted on said base, each unit comprising two series of straightening rolls and a supporting frame therefor, the rolls of one unit being connected with the corresponding frame to rotate about axes extending at substantially right angles to the axes of rotation of the straightening rolls of the other unit, means for adjusting each of said frames on the base in directions extending substantially normal to the directions of movement of the other frame to bring the rolls of one unit into cooperative alignment with the rolls of the other unit, means for driving the rolls of both units in unison with each other comprising a single drive element mounted on the base at one side of said frames, two drive shafts, one for each unit, each of said drive shafts being connected with the corresponding frame to move with said frame in fixed relation thereto, means operatively connecting each of said drive shafts with a respective series of straightening rolls, and separate means including extensible shafts operatively connecting each of said drive shafts with the drive element.

WILLIAM E. KANE. 

